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Oriental Longhair vs Oriental Shorthair
The same slender, talkative Oriental cat in two coat lengths; the Longhair has a silky medium coat and plume tail, the Shorthair a short fine one.
Verdict
These two are one type of cat in two coats, and every temperament score in the profiles matches. The thing that decides it is the coat. The Oriental Longhair has a fine, silky medium-length coat and a plume tail that needs a little more brushing. The Oriental Shorthair has a short, close-lying coat that needs almost none. The Shorthair is also easier to find. Choose the Longhair for the plume tail and silky look. Choose the Shorthair for the least grooming and a wider choice of kittens.
Choose the Oriental Longhair if
- You want a fine, silky coat with a plume tail.
- You will brush a little more often; it scores 2 for grooming against 1.
- You accept a rarer breed; it is listed as rare.
- You want a wide range of solid, shaded, smoke, tabby, tortoiseshell and white colours.
Choose the Oriental Shorthair if
- You want a short, close-lying coat that needs almost no grooming.
- You want a breed that is easier to find, listed as uncommon.
- You want CFA championship breed status, held since 1977.
- You want hundreds of colour and pattern combinations to choose from.
Where they are alike
Both are slender, big-eared, very talkative cats that score 5 for affection, playfulness and intelligence and 1 for independence. Each needs someone at home and shares the same watch-list of amyloidosis, progressive retinal atrophy and flat-chested kitten syndrome.
Side by side
| Oriental Longhair | Oriental Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Longhair and semi-longhair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Developed in Europe and the United States from Siamese-type cats | United States and Europe, from Siamese stock |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | Similar to the Oriental Shorthair: males about 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg); females lighter | Males about 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg); females under about 8 lb (3.6 kg) |
| Lifespan | About 15 years | Often reported as 12-15 years; few studies |
| Coat length | Medium | Short |
| Coat | Fine, silky coat with a plume tail, lying close to a long, tubular body | Short, fine, close-lying coat on a long, tubular body |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1977 |
| How common | Rare | Uncommon |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 5 | 5 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 1 |
| Trainability | 5 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 3 | 3 |
| Suits | A person at home much of the day who wants a clever, chatty, affectionate cat and enjoys talking back and playing. | A person who is home much of the day and wants a talkative, athletic, affectionate cat and will play with it daily. |
| Less suited to | A quiet household, or anyone who is away for long hours, since this breed does not do well alone. | A quiet home, or anyone who is away for long hours, since this cat dislikes being alone. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026